"As no doubt many of the Union Brothers have commented, I too was positively impacted by "Mels" help and involvement. Especially to you Mark and Jeff that I have known and worked with I send my sincere condolences for the loss of your Dad. Sharing the same faith helps me to believe that he is in a much better place. Be Well my Friends !"
In loving memory of
Melbourne H. Butler
Melbourne H. Butler of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2011 at the age of 87. Mel was born October 28, 1923 in Phoenix, Arizona as the older of two sons, to now deceased parents Russell and Reja Butler. Surviving younger brother Ed Butler lives in Phoenix with wife Eloise. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Mel returned home to Phoenix where, in 1948, he would meet and marry Helen Marie Lanighan, a young nurse who had moved to Phoenix from Lockport, NY. Mel and late wife Helen Butler, who passed away in 1967, had seven children together, six of whom survive: Michele Baker; Mark Butler (married to Deborah); David Butler; Maureen Bertoni (married to Larry Bertoni); Jeffrey Butler; Mary Beth LeBoeuf (married to Bruce LeBoeuf). Oldest son Michael Butler passed away in 1988 at age 39. Mel married second wife, Phyllis Cantrell, in 1970 and welcomed step children Karen Cantrell and John Cantrell (now married to Lorraine) into the family. Youngest daughter Theresa Butler was born to Mel and Phyllis in 1971. Phyllis Butler preceded husband Mel in passing in March 2011. The loving legacy of "Grandpa Mel" also lives on in grandchildren Jennifer, Keri, Elizabeth, Terra, Daniel, Matthew, Tory, Jessica, Stacey, Larry, Kyle, Julie, Sarah, Amber, Brandon, Abby, Amy, Laura, Robert and Benjamin. "Grandpa Mel" will now be reunited with granddaughter, Dawn Marie, who passed away in 1996. He also leaves behind fourteen loving great grandchildren. Mel Butler’s other "extended family" was at Plumbers and Pipefitters UA Local 469 in Phoenix, Arizona. Mel joined the Union in 1951 and would go on to help start the first in-house apprentice training program at the Union. He would become the first Training Coordinator at Local 469 and fill that position for thirty years. He will be remembered as an icon in this field and the current training center at Local 469 was dedicated in his honor in 1997 and will stand as a lasting tribute. The legacy of a man is said to be how he touched the lives of those during his time on earth and if he left things better for those around him. Mel Butler’s legacy is secure in not only his own family, but in the lives of thousands of apprentices and journeymen at Local 469 who would begin and upgrade their careers in the plumbing and pipefitting industry under his tutelage and then go on to greater successes themselves. A Funeral Mass for Mel Butler will be held on Saturday, September 10, beginning at 10:00 AM, at Brophy College Prep Chapel, 4701 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ. Following the Mass, there will be a memorial celebration and lunch following at UA Local 469, 3109 N. 24th St., Phoenix, AZ. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to the UA Scholarship Fund, 3 Park Place, Annapolis MD, 21401 or The 100 Club of Ariz. For Fallen Police and Firefighters (www.100club.org). Please visit www.hansenmortuary.com to submit online condolences.
Tributes
"My sincere condolences. Mel was a pleasure to work with. Always upbeat, understanding of the needs of the contractor’s needs and extremely committed to the industry. He will not be forgotten by those who had the opportunity to work with him."
"To all our Arizona family, We wish to extend our deepest sympathy in the loss of Mel. He was a wonderful person.Love and prayers for all of you at this most difficult time. We wish we could be there with you this weekend . God bless Love. Nancy,Jim,Kara,Brenna,Brett and Bryce"
"He was a great appentice coordinator I will always remember him."
"Grandpa, you were an amazing man. I am honored to have known you. You always made me feel welcome and secure and loved. Rest peacefully and dance in the Heavens with all of our loved ones passed. You will be dearly missed. I love you."